Stay informed with future updates

Auto Alliance CEO Cites Industry Investment in Electric Vehicles and Marketplace Realities at U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing

Auto Alliance President and CEO, Mitch Bainwol, participated in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearing titled “Sharing the Road: Policy Implications of Electric and Conventional Vehicles in the Years Ahead.”

Excerpts of the testimony are below, and to download the full testimony click here.

The auto industry has invested billions of dollars on powertrain R&D and that investment is paying off – automakers are providing customers with record-breaking choice in fuel-efficient vehicles. Today, more than 490 models are on sale that achieve at least 30 miles per gallon. Electric Vehicles (EVs), in particular, play an important role in achieving our energy and environment goals, both in the U.S. and around the world. It’s important to note that EVs and conventional vehicles share the road today.

As recently as 2012, there were less than five EV models available for sale. Today, there are 42 models of electric vehicles on sale, including 15 battery electric, 24 plug-in hybrid electric and 3 fuel cell electric models, with more in development. Consumers can now buy EVs of all different shapes and sizes— small cars, large cars, SUVs and minivans, in 2WD or AWD, with shorter and longer ranges, from economy vehicles to luxury models and everything in between. However, despite the record offering of such EV’s, only about one percent of all vehicles purchased last year were plug-in hybrids, battery electric or fuel cell vehicles.

To learn more about automakers providing their customers with record-breaking choice in energy-efficient vehicle models, click here

According to consumer research, our customers want it all — better mileage, cleaner and safer technologies and affordable new vehicles. While we continue urging all stakeholders to work together toward a national program for fuel economy standards, automakers have our own roadmap to move forward while continuing to meet the needs and expectations of consumers.

Our priorities are fourfold

Continue increasing fuel economy — year after year — to provide our customers with more energy-efficient vehicles with greater emissions reductions and the latest safety technologies.

Partner with public/private groups to get more energy-efficient vehicles on our roads via charging/fueling infrastructure, consumer incentives, government fleet sales and car-sharing and ride-sharing programs.

At the same time, continue increasing investments in research & development for more advancements in safety and efficiency.